What is a good recommendation for a camera tripod that I will be using the Rebel STi/400D on with in the future a 300MM zoom lens of some type.  I now have the 28-135 and the 18-55 kit lens.

  I prefer a good reliable one that is not so weak as to not be satisfied once I get it.   What about the mono type..

Can a person attach the camera with lens and leave while in the fields and woods or should the camera be removed unless actualy using the tripod.
  I am sure there are some experienced people here who know these answers...:)

I've got a Manfrotto 190, it's the cheapest medium/heavy duty cam with a simple head. It actually came in a kit. The is no head slip (movement) while I've got my 300mm on and I leave the camera plate on all the time (to the base of my Canon 350D that is).

I've also got a Manfrotto 618B monopod. I use this for panning and fast action shots or for when I'm going to be standing on spot for a long time. I haven't got a head on it as it's got a screw for the cam to go straight on. Which is a problem if you want to shoot in portriat format, Which I do all the time more than landscape. So i've generally got my monopod resting at a horizontal angle along my left or right arm.

Having a monopod arond makes for a good weapon when you go into an area you don't really know... LOL

I agree with PeeWee. I've also got the Manfrotto 190DB. Just screw the plate on the camera and you can quickly put your camera on the tripod or remove it with a quick release.  Not all that expensive and it's very sturdy.

I did a search on amazon for that tripod and If not mistaken it is a European supplier for that tripod.
  I would thought someone in the US would have it.
Anyone know of a place in the US who might have it in stock. :)

I have a Manfrotto tripod too.

US supplier:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/5138/Tripods_Bogen_Manfrotto_Tripod_Systems.html

Thanks for that link.  I will be ordering one of those after Christmas.  This must be a good tripod with 3 people owning it and not having anything bad to say about it. :)

 I put off an order today for a better camera strap for my XTi/400D and a few other small items I will be needing.

 Anyone ever mention photography is exspensive.  O well so is doing 3D graphics which I like also. :)
 

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2349?livid=80|81&idx=82

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/3321?livid=68|69&idx=71

I think this is an American based site and there's a distributors link...

I even dropped mine through a cattle grid and it only got dirty, no dents.

If I thought of all the money I've spent over the years, I would kill myself. But yo know what? It is so worth it!!!

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/product_main_page/site/bius/lang/en_US/cache/bypass?curLevel=2CAT&curFamilyId=1CAT:AAA1&curMarketId=NONE&curBrandId=MAN

Thanks for those links. :)

Only if they help, LOL

Yes they help.  I am looking to get one those tripods after the first of the year.  :)